How many jurors must agree?

How many jurors must agree?

• A. Four of six
• B. Five of six
• C. Six of six
• D. Three of six

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the threshold for a verdict on a six-person jury. In some systems, a majority vote can close the case rather than requiring every juror to agree. Five jurors agreeing allows a conviction or acquittal to be reached without needing all six, which helps avoid deadlock when one juror is out of step with the others. That’s why five of six is the best-fit answer for this concept. Note that modern state criminal law, following Ramos v. Louisiana, requires unanimous verdicts in criminal trials, so five of six would not be sufficient in that context. The question reflects the historical or various-jurisdiction approach where five of six could finalize a verdict.

The key idea is the threshold for a verdict on a six-person jury. In some systems, a majority vote can close the case rather than requiring every juror to agree. Five jurors agreeing allows a conviction or acquittal to be reached without needing all six, which helps avoid deadlock when one juror is out of step with the others. That’s why five of six is the best-fit answer for this concept.

Note that modern state criminal law, following Ramos v. Louisiana, requires unanimous verdicts in criminal trials, so five of six would not be sufficient in that context. The question reflects the historical or various-jurisdiction approach where five of six could finalize a verdict.